Braman Family Completion Scholarship Fund will support college completion for neediest students in our community

The Braman Family Foundation is making a $1 million gift to Miami Dade College (MDC) and Florida International University (FIU) as an incentive for students to enroll full-time during their last year of studies at the institutions to facilitate and accelerate college completion.

Leadership from the Braman Family Foundation, MDC and FIU made the announcement on Wednesday, Aug. 23, at MDC’s Wolfson Campus in downtown Miami.

“At the Braman Family Foundation, we value education and want to do our part to ensure that the young people of this community achieve their goals,” said Debi Braman Wechsler, director of the Braman Family Foundation. “We know that there are many students who are unable to complete their education due to financial limitations and, with this gift, we are excited to see more students graduate on time in the coming year.”

The Braman Family Completion Scholarship program will support 1,000 students each year – 500 from each institution – who are in their last year of studies. A $1,000 scholarship was given to students to expedite the completion of their degrees.

“This gift advances MDC’s mission of providing quality, accessible and affordable higher education to all who seek it. I am extremely grateful to the Braman Family for this important contribution and honored to once again collaborate with FIU,” said MDC’s President Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón. “At MDC, we believe opportunity changes everything.”

Nationally, approximately 15 percent of college students drop out with 75 percent of their credits completed, mainly for financial reasons. These additional funds, especially in the final year, give students the opportunity to more closely focus on their courses and complete their degrees. Furthermore, the scholarship reduces the financial pressure for students to work full-time.

“The Braman family has had a lasting impact on South Florida – and now they are helping our students become successful, achieve their dreams and make a difference for their families and future generations,” said FIU’s President Mark B. Rosenberg. “This transformative gift will remove financial barriers and also provide critical coaching opportunities, so that our students receive the support they need to graduate – and then go on to find and create great jobs.”

In order to qualify for the scholarship program, each institution has requirements that will ensure that the Braman scholars find success in their final year. For more information on the requirements and how to apply, visit MDC Financial Aid and FIU Academic Works.

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